Pediatric Neuropsychologist; PSYPACT-authorized

Dr. Cynthia Hess (Cindy) is a licensed clinical psychologist and pediatric neuropsychologist who provides comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults with intricate and overlapping developmental, learning, and emotional concerns. She is particularly skilled in differential diagnosis, helping families understand complex symptom profiles that have disrupted developmental progress and impact functioning across settings.

Dr. Hess brings a breadth of professional and personal experience to her work, helping families feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the assessment process. Prior to earning her doctorate, she worked as an elementary school counselor and school psychologist for 15 years, gaining extensive experience with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. Her roles have included teaching high school math, counseling in elementary education, providing psychotherapy for children and families, and navigating the developmental milestones of raising and launching three children — all of which enrich her understanding of developmental processes and family dynamics.

She approaches assessment and case conceptualization through a developmental lens, carefully integrating cognitive, emotional, and contextual factors to provide clear and individualized impressions. Dr. Hess has particular expertise in differential diagnosis, including the evaluation of learning and developmental disabilities, and brings a strong developmental understanding of how early traumatic experiences, chronic stress, and environmental factors can influence child development and functioning.

Dr. Hess earned her Psy.D. in Counseling and School Psychology from Rivier University in 2018. Her doctoral dissertation explored the impact of social media on the development of social and emotional skills in fourth- and fifth-grade children, reflecting her interest in how cultural influences shape development.

With her PSYPACT authorization, Dr. Hess is able to conduct neuropsychological evaluations for children and students who are not easily able to travel to a NESCA office — including those at boarding schools, colleges, therapeutic residential programs, or families living out of state.